ending

1 of 2

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: something that constitutes an end: such as

a

: conclusion

a movie with a happy ending

b

: one or more letters or syllables added to a word base especially in inflection

ending

2 of 2

present participle of end entry 2, end entry 4

Synonyms of ending

Noun

• end
• conclusion
• finale
• closing
• culmination
• close

Examples of ending in a Sentence

Noun

I didn't like the book's ending.

Common verb endings in English are “-s,” “-ed,” and “-ing.”

You can often recognize an English adverb by its “-ly” ending.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That tension between catastrophe for humanity and recovery for nature runs all the way to the ending. — Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

This twist is on par with the surprise death of Marshall’s dad for the saddest ending in HIMYM history. — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026

But after descending into the genre for the series and then returning for its sudden ending, Brown can’t exactly blame those hesitant to do the same. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Each Outer Banks character had their own ending, many of which converged at John B and Sarah’s wedding. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ending

• nerve ending
• never-ending

Rhymes for ending

• bending
• blending
• fending
• lending
• mending
• pending
• rending
• sending
• spending
• tending
• trending
• vending

Kids Definition

ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: the final part : conclusion, end

a novel with a happy ending